Breech-loading ordnance.



` Patented Nov. I4, |899. F. J. HAESELEB. -BREECH LUADINGDBDNANCE.

(Application sled Apr. 15. m99.)

8 Sheets- Sheet 2.

@Hof/mm3 6 (No Model.)

No. eamo.

Patented Nov. |4,'l'899. F. J. HAESELER. BREECH LDADING OBDNANCE.

(Application filed Apr. 15, 1899. mi Modem 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 "c' MM5 Patented Nov. I4, |899.

No. 63mm.

F. J. HAESELER. BREECH LOADING ORDNANCE.

(Application led Apr. 15, 1899.}

8 Sheets-Sheet 4,

y{Nu Model.)

Patented Nov. I4, |899.

No. 63mm.

F. J. HESELER. BREECH LOADING GEBNANCE.

8 Sheets-Sheet 5,

, (Application Iled Apr. 15. 1599., (No Model.)

No. 63mm.

Patented Nov. 14, i899. F. J. HAESELEE. BREECH LGADING GRDNANCE.

I l N (Application led Apr. 15. 1899sv No Model., 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 n 514 'o o :Non (/mowf/ @mit www No. 537,110. Patented Nov. 14,1899.

F. J. HAESELER.

BREECH LGDING RDHNCE. I

'(Applicazinn med Apr. 15, 1809.)

ma Model.) a Sheng-sheet a.

En... R35

5o gagement of all the threads on the block is UNiTnD TATES trice.

ATENT BREECH-LOADING ORDNANCE.

srncrrmnrron forming pm of Lettere Patent No. 637,110, dated November 14, 1899.

Application tiled April 15, 1899.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANCIS J. HAESELER, a lieutenant in the United States Navy, stationed at the Naval Gun Factory, in the city of Vashington, in the Districtof Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Breech Loading Ordnance; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to a mechanism for opening and closing the breech of a breechloading gun, which mechanism consists, essentially, of two partsa breech-plug, with its seat in the screw-box of the gun, and mechanism for rotating said breech-plug to unlock the same for swinging the'same out of the Way and for returning the same to the locked position. Asincideutal details of the improvement I include the hinged carrier with mechanism carried thereby for first rotating the said block to unlock the same and for swinging the block a short distance 'out of the way; also, mechanism carried by said hinged carrier for firing the gun, either by electricity or by mechanical means, part of the firing mechanism being mounted on the breech of the gun.

The principal feature of my invention consists in providing a breechblock substantially conical in general shape, but having. for its engaging surface-a single flat spiral forming a series of spiral steps, ou each of which steps continuous parallel spiralscrewthreads are cut, all of the threads being of the same diametral and axial pitch, so that in realty each screw-thread is of the form of a spiral wound around the frustum ofa cone. rlhese spiral steps and screw-threads thereon engage corresponding steps and screw-threads in the breech of the gun, and by this arrangement it will only be necessary to turn the breech-block through a comparatively small angle about its axis, so as to have all the threads on the breech-block engaged with all the threads in the screw-box, and since each of these threads is continuous an enhad with all the threads ou the screw-box,

Serial No. 713,183. (No model.)

thus insuring great strength and' enabling a lighter block to be used.

My invention will be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same parts are indicated by the sameletters throughout the several views.

Figure 1 is a rear View of the breech of the gun with the breech closed. Fig. 2 represents a section along the line 2 2 of Fig. 1 and looking down, the breech-block beingshown in plan, as also the cartridge-case. Fig. 3 is an elevation 0f the breech of the gun, with the breech closed and with the hinged carrier broken away to show the mechanism for ro`- tating the breech-block about its axis and 'for locking the same in the hinged carrier when the screw-threads ou the block are disengaged from those in the screw-box. It also shows the mechanism for locking the hinged carrier to the gnu. Fig. 4 represents a section along the line 4. 4 of Fig. 3 and 100kingdown, the breech-block and parts carried thereby being omitted to better illustrate the screw-box and operation of the hand-lever. Fig. 5 is a rear view, on an enlarged scale, of `the breech-block as detached from the carrier. Fig. 6 represents a side elevation of the breech-block removed from the gun and shows'the carrier in section along the line 6 6 of Fig. 1 and looking to the right of the said figure. Fig. 7 is a front view of the breechblock as detached from the gun. Fig. 8 represents a section along the line S 8 ot' Fig. 6 and looking down. Fig. 9 vrepresents a rear view of the hinged carrier with the various other parts of the breech mechanism omitted. Fig. 10 represents a plan View of the hinged carrier, partly in section, along the line 10 10 of Fig. Lt. Fig. 11 represents a plan view of the threaded sleeve bymeans of which the breeeh-block is connected to the hinged carrier. Fig. 12 represent-s a rear elevation of the screw-threaded sleeve shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 represents an inverted plan View of the stop-lug for the hand-lever, which'lng iS secured to or made integral with the hinged carrier. Fig. 14: represents a front viiew of the hinged carrier as detached from the gun, but with the. breech-block omitted. Fig. 15 represents an end elevatiompartly in section, along the line 15 15 in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 reprevv fthreads on the screw-box. and thus great j fstrength is secured.

sents a section along the line 16 16 in Fig. 14. Fig. 17 represents a section along the line 17 17 in` Fig. 14. Figs. 18, 19, and 2,0 are detail' views showing'the housing, in which are mounted the sear and the sliding bar. for operating the same, Fig. 2O being in section along the line 2O 2) in-Fig. 18. Figs. 21 and 22 are detail views of the scar. Figs. 23, 24, and 25 represent the sliding bar for operating the sear.- Fig. 26 represents a rear elevation,

and Fig. 27 a plan view, of the hand-lever for operating the breech mechanism. Fig. 28

represents a section across the hand-lever along the line 28 28 in Figs. 26`and 27. Figs. 29 and 30 are detail views of the catch for connecting the locking-bar or safety device to/the hand-lever. Fig. 31 represents a side elevation of the locking-bar for locking the breech-block against rotation in the screwbox when the breech is closed. Fig. 32 represents a section of the locking-bar along the line 32 32 in Fig. 31. Fig. represents the details of the electrical connections for firing, the saine being asection along the broken line. 33 33 of Fig. '34. Fig. 34 represents'the electrical connections for firing, the same showing a section along the broken line 34 34 of Fig. 33; and Fig.l 35 represents a modiiica- 'tion in which the breech-block is locked in the screw-box by a-tongue or arm projecting forward from the hand-lever.

The drawings areintended to illustrate the invention in the form at present preferred-by me, although many changes might be made vention.

A represents'the body of the gun, which Without departing'from the spirit of my in may be either itself screw-threaded for the screw-box, as shown at A, or a housing'A `may be screwed into the breech of the gun, as at a., and may carry on its interior the screwthreads of the'screw-box. These screwthreads are arranged on the surface of one continuous spiral, forming 'a series of spiral steps A2, on each of which steps are screw- 'threads a, which screw-threads' register with the screw-threads b on the spiral steps B of the'hreech-hlock B. Each of these threads' on the breech-block and also in the screwn 'box is a continuons spiral and if considered alone would be found in the form of a spiral thread wrapped around the frustum of a cone. Thus when the breech-block is locked in the screw-box all the threads on the breech-blockl are in engagement with-the corresponding The gun-body iiiay be provided with ears the extractor in case the gun is to be titted to The breech-block is mounted on the hinged carrier C, to which it is revolubly connected, as will now be described.

A sleeve B' is screwed into an annular rev cess in' the rear face of the breech-block, and

' on the inside of this sleeve are coarse screwtation of the breech-block tothe unlocked position will draw the breech-block to the rear relative to the carrier, while the corresponding rotation of the breech-block to the locked position will force the breech-block forward a like distance. In each case the breech-block is so moved that the screwlthread .7:2 on the breech-block will be in proper position to engage the screw-threads Va2 of. the screw-box when the hinged carrier is swng against the face of the breechl As soon as the threads b2 and a2'becomedisengaged the breech-block is supported by the boss D2A and threads d2. I preferably use'a. sleeve B', screwed into the rear of the block, to avoid wear and facilitate construction of the parts; but it will be obvious that these` screw-threads b' may be out directly into the block itself instead of the sleeve B. Thus this sleeve may be omitted, if desired. Where a sleeve B-'is used, it may be locked in place in any convenient way, as by the spline-screw bx. (See especially Fig. 8.)

The sleeve Dl (see Figs. 3, 6, 8, and 11) is provided with a segmental rib d', and the said sleeve is\secu red to the face ofthe hinged carrier by in eans'of the boltsd passing thro ugh the holes c2 in the hinged carrier. vProjecting to the rearward from the breech-block is the hollow stein B, which passes through the sleeve D and projectsinto a cylindrical recess in the hinged carrier C. This stein serves as a journal for the breech-block and also as a casing for the tiring-pin, as shown in Fig. 8. A block B5 (see Figs'. 6 and 8) maybe let into the side of the breech-block and provided with a recess "b5 for the locking-bolt M, 'as will be hereinafter described, and the said block if used should be made of hardened material. to prevent wear; but, if preferred, this block B? may be omitted and a recess b5 may be cut into the body of vthe breech-block itself.

- The breech-block is rotated about its axis, so as to -lock and unlock the threads' b and a2 by means of the segmental pinion K, the rack H, the link H', and the hand-lever F, which is pivoted to the hinged carrier and the 'block- G, carried by the same. The handlever F is provided with a handle F' at one end thereof and is pivoted at the other end to the bolt F2, supported by the hinged carrier C. This bolt F2 projects-.through the opening Go (see Fig. 13) in the block G, which block is secured to the carrier C in any convenientA way. This block is undercut and provided with a shou der g, against which the handlcver F strikes when the said hand-lever has reached the limit of its outward travel, asindicated by the dotted lines numbered 3 in Fig. 4; This-block is made separate from the carrier C merely for convenience of' manufacture and may be integral with the said carrier, if preferred. The link H' connects the hand-lever F with the rack H, which rack travels in the guideway Co (see Figs. 6 and 14) in the hinged carrier C and is held in place by the feather c6. The s'aid rack meshes with the teeth 7c of the segmental pinion K, and this segmental pinion has a key which travels in a slot on the stem of..the plug, so as to allow the latter to slide through it as the plug moves longitudinally t'o the rear, due to the pitch of the screw, but rotates with the plug. The rack is provided with a sector k', projecting beyond the ends of the teeth and so arranged that when the breech-block is locked in the screw-box one side of this sector 7c' bears against one end of the rack H below the teeth of the latter, while when the -vvbreech-block is open or unlocked from the screw-boxthe other end of this segment bears' against the opposite end of the rack and engages below the teeth of the same. ln this way the heavy starting strain of unlocking the breech-block upon the mechanism just described is transferred from the comparatively weak teeth of the sector K and the rack H to the solid segment and the end of Vthe rack, and thus it will beimpracticable to injure either the rack or the sector should the strainef starting 'the block be excessive. In the same way the heavy strain of the initial 'movement of the block toward its locked po- -sition is brought upon the opposite end of therack and sector. This sector K is secured on the stern B4 in any convenient way, as by means of the feather k2, preferably dovetailed, as shown in Fig. 3. A

lVhen the breech-block is locked in the screw-box, the rack H will be in the position shown in Figs. 3 and 4, with the end of the body ofthe rack H bearing against one side of the segment, as shown in Fig. 3, at which time the hand-lever (broken away in Fig. 3) would be in the position indicated by the dotted lines 1 1 in Fig. 4. Now if the hand-lever be drawn to the rear the link Il would combine with the shorter arm of the hand-lever to form a toggle-joint, which would start the rack very slowly, but under great power, and would consequently give a slow but powerful wrench to `the breech-block to unlock the same. A As soon as the hand-lever has passed the position indicated by-the dotted lines at 22 in Fig. ai the teeth of the rack will begin to engage the teeth of the sector K, and the position of the toggle-joint will enable a quicker velocity of rotation to be 4im parted to the breech-block. Finally, when the handlever reaches the posit-ion indicated by the dotted lines at 3 in Fig. 4 t-he opposite end of the segment 7.x' will strike the outer end of the rack H, checking the further rotation of the breech-block. At the same time the handlever will bring up againstthe shoulder g ot' the block G, and the hand-lever and the carrier C, as Well as all the parts carried by the said carrier, will swing as one mass about the bolt E' until the breech mechanism is in the open position and the gun may be loaded.

In order to lock the breech-block in the carrier after it has become disengaged from the screw-box, any .well -known locking device may be provided; but I prefer the form of device hereinafter described.

BG is a stud which is lsecured to the rearf face of the breech-block, which is' rounded on two sides and provided on the oppositesides with flat faces, one of which is indicated by b?. Q represents ,a spring plunger or latch havingthe cam-arm q, (sec Figs. 3 and 14,) projccting upward, and inward and the holdinglug q,which lug engages in a recess either in the gun-body or in a plate or housing W, se-

cured to the gun-body, when the breech is closed. This lug q' is'uormally pressed olitward by means of the spring q2. When the breech'block is rotated to the unlocked position, thel lug B6 engages the cam-arm q and withdraws thelatch Q, releasing the lug q' from engagement vwith the gun-body and allowingthe hinged carrier to be swung outward. As the hinged carrier swings back the inclined face Q7 of a second plunger or catch Q slides along the inclined face qs of a. lug Q2, fast to the gun-body, (see Fig. 10,) and the shoulder 15 of this catch Q projects over the face b7 of the lug B6, and thus locks the breech-block against rotationbackward in the hinged carrier so long as the hinged c'arrieipis 'clear of engagement with the breech of the gun.Y This spring-catch Q' has a limited motion in guideways in the hinged carrier C, as indicated in Fig. 1,5, and is normally pressed back by the sprin g qi. When the hinged carrier is swung forward to the closed position, the lug QL projects into the opening qoin the spring-'catch Q and the cam-face 17 engages the cam-face qs, causing t-he catch Q' to be drawn outward until the shoulder g5 is clear of the flattened face bi of the stop B6. At this time the breech-block will be read-y for rotation to the locked position, and the motion of the hand-lever from the position 3 to the position 1 (see Fig. 4) will rotate the breech-block, causing the screw-threads b2 to engage the screw-threads a?. As soon as thelug B6 passes clear of the cam-arm q of the latch Q the latter will move outward and lock the hinged carrier tothe gun-body. Thus it will be seen that by a simple motion of the hand-lever inoue direction the breech-block is unlocked from the Yscrew-box, is locked on the carrier, and the latter is unlocked from the gun and is swung outward until the breech is open, while amotion of the hand-lever in the reverse direction IRG will reverse this cycle of operation and will way in the hinged carrier. Thisheadlllpro-l jects into the recess b5, either in, thebreech block Bor in the wear-block' setiiijthebreech-block, as has been described and as shown in Figs. 5, 6', and 8. Thisblock may be secured in place' in any convenient way; as 4by means of the screw U'. (See Fig. 5.) The puter side of this head cngagesin a corresponding recess in the gun-body, and thus this sliding bar M serves as a feather or spline engaging partly in the breech block and partly in the gun-body and locks the breechblock firmly against rotation when this4 sliding bar is inthe forward position, as indicated in Fig. 2. The corresponding recess in the gun-body may be made either in the gunbody itself, in the housing A', or in a separate wear-block A", let into the housing A, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4." In case a separa-te block be used, this should preferably be made of hardened m-aterial, 'similar to theblock B5, already described in connect-ion withV the breech-block. The sliding bar M is withdrawn by the first motion of the hand-lever rearward in opening the breech and is pressed home by the last motion of the hand-lever in closing the breech-that is, it is withdrawn when the hand-lever moves from the position indicated by the dottedrlines l l to that indicated by the dotted lines 2 2 in Fig. 4, and the reverse inclosing-du'ring which time there is no rotation of thc block, due to the location of the centers of the toggle-,joint motion and some very little lost motion.

In the modification shown in Fig. 35 instead of the sliding bar M an arm hi'is shown, projectingforward intot-he curved slot partly in the breech-block and partly in the screwbox, which curved arm is on a radis struck with a center F, and it will be obvious that when the hand-lever is drawn tov the rear, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 35, the engaging'arm F3 will be withdrawn froml engagement either with the screw-box or with the breech-block and that the latter may vturn in the screw-box, and therefore the modification shown in Fig. 35 illustrates the simplest form of spline adapted to lock the breech-block against rotation in the screwbox; but in the other` device the sliding bar M is moved longitudinally during a short portion vonly of the travel of the hand-lever, and how this longitudinal motion of the sliding bar is effected will now be described; but as the sliding bar M also serves as a safety device to prevent the gun from being prematurely fired, it had best be described'in connection with the firing mechanism, by means ofV which vthe gun may be fired either by mechanical means or by electricity. 4

Since it is desirable to rapidly substitute the electric for the mechanical firing device, and

vice versa, I preferably-construct these parts so that the substitution may be made with as little change as practicable. W'ith this end in view certain of the operative parts are insulated, 'as shown in Figs. 8 and 31 to 34, inclusive. R represents theiiring-pin, having the point r projecting through the open hole bo in the nose o f the breech-block, the point of which pin is made somewhat smaller in diameter than the said hole and concentric therewith,so that when the pin strikes the primer of the cartridge-case there shall be an annular space filled with air interposed between said pin and the conducting material of'whic'h the breech-block is composed. Insulated from this firing-pin Ris the sleeve R3, which travels in the recess Boin the stem B* oi the breech-block, and this sleeve and the firing-pin contained thereinare normally pressed forward by means. of` the spring r', which is held against rearward motion by means of the insulated cup 4, held inthe cap c4, secured in the boss C, p 'ecting from the rear of the hinged carrier. To the rear end of the firing-pin I preferably Tire the shank R', havingthe handle R2, for cooking byhand, if desired;Y but this is unnecessary and may be omitted without disturbing the electrical. circuit. The sleeve R3 has an annular shoulder r3 to engage the scar S, which'is normally pressed toward the firing-pin by means of the coil-spring S. The sear is also provided with a small .recess s, in which the point of the screw s' may be made to project, and thus lock the sear in the rearward position out of engagement with the annular shoulder when it is desired to lire by electricity. From an inspection of Fig. 8 it will be seen that after the gun be fired the firing-pin will plunge forward and remain in the forward position until the breech-block be turned to unlock the same fromthe screw-box. Then the block 'and firing-pin .will be moved bodily backward by the screw-threads b and d2 until, just as the breech-block approaches closest t`o the hinged carrier, the sear snaps under the annular shoulder r3 on the firing-pin and holds the same cocked during the return of the breech-block to the locked position. Thus the' firing-pin is automatically cocked and is released only when the sear is withdrawn. T represents a sliding bar having a shoulder't engaging thesear after drawing the latter to the rear, as in firing the gun, which bar is normally pressed forward by vmeans of the spring t' bearin at one end against a shoulder of the said' arandatv the other end on a fixed stop p7. The scar andsliding barT are mounted in the housing P, (see Figs-8 and 18 to 20,) which housing is provided with ribs p5. to engage in guideways C5 in the rear face of the carrier, (see Figs. 9 and 15,) andthe inward motion of this housing 1 fis limited by the vertical face c5. (See Figs. 9 and 15.) The rear end of this bar T terminates in a hook tito engage the trigger U,whioh is drawn back by means ofthe cam-face 'n of the wedge-bloclrVA engaging the cam-face u' of the trigger U. This trigger is normally pressed inward by means ot' the spring u, while the wedge-block V is normally pressed rearward by the spring lvi' and is drawn forward by the -Iiring-lanyard (not shown) engaging in the eye v. Thus itA will be seen that pulling forward. on this eye v will draw the bar T outward,.drawing the.

sear S clear of engagement .with the annular shoulder r3 of the sleeve R8 and releasing the firing-pin, which springs forward under the ing-plunger x', (see Figs. 33 and 34,)-whic h plungerjs normally pressed against the conductingstrip. m2, which bears against the spring-distendedconductor M2, mounted in t-he locking-bar M, which makes contact when the breech is closed and locked by'means of the strip x3 with the conductingscrew :1;4 and the insulated cn p 'r4 in contact with the spring fr', and thus electric connection, insulated' from the gun-body and the parts connected therewith,` is provided between the bindingpost w2 and the firing-pin R. The sliding bar T is provided with a lugt to engage the'back of the sear, with an-opening t7 to receive the cross-piece p7, against which the spring t' bears, and with a groove to, in which the locking-bar M travels when not in the locked position. Thus the locking-bar is drawn at right angles to' the bar T and in a groove therein. and prevents this bar from Abeing moved,'and consequently prevents the gun from being fired by mechanical meanswhen the locking-bar is in the 'forward or locked position. When in this position, the shoulder vmQon the locking-bar clears th'e bar T, (see Fig. 6,) and the said bar T is free to move longitudinally. The spring-distended con tact M2 is mounted in 'the opening fmg in the barM (see Fig. 32) and is insulated from said bar, and this contact M2 is so arranged that it will make connection between the conducting-strips @c2 and m3 only when the bar M is in the forward or lockedposition. It' it be ont of this position, any current from the bind-4 ing-post to2 would pass through the body of the barM to the hinged carrier and thence to the gun without making the circuit throughthe electric primer; but when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 34 the current from the binding-post will pass through the conductors az' 'm2, Muse", andar? to the insulated cup r4, thence vto the firing-pin R `and through the point of the firing-pin, which, as has already been stated, is insulated from the sides of the hole bo by meansof the surrounding air, to the electric primer. Thus'the gun may be fired by electricity only when the locking-bar M is in the forward or locked pos'ition. When Iiring'by electricity, the sear is held back by the screw s. Having -thus described the cooperation of this locking-bar IM with the ring mechanism, I will now describe the means by which the bar-is moved backward froml the locked to the unlocked positionand is returnedvforward from the unlocked to the locked position vautomatically by the hand-lever.

Referring now to Figs. (i, 29, and 30, N rep resents a spring-catch having lthe cross-head n, adapted to engage thecam-surfaces p and p2 ofthe housing P. This' catch'is provided with a shank fn and a nut n2 and is normally pressed upward or into 'engagement with the locking-bar M by means of the spring N',mounted in a hollow boss f on tlie handlever F. Suppose the locking-bar M to be in hand-leverto be started to the rear. The lirst motion of the hand-lever will draw the locking-bar M rearward, at the same time causing the cross-.head n to ride down the cam-face-p* on the housing P, and thus will gradually dis- Lengage the cross-head n from the recess'min the locking-bar M until when the hand-lever out of 'engagementwith the locking-bar M, and the hand-levermay be swung rearward without further disturbing' the locking-bar. At this time the locking-bar is drawn ont of lookin g engagement between thebreech-blcck and the screw-box in the gun, and the breechblock is free to rotate about its axis. The first slight motion of the hand-lever to the rear will be insuiicient to give any'appreciable rotation to the breech-block,l due to the location of the centers of the toggle-joint mo- I, tion, and therefore it will only be necessary to provide verylittle lost motion between the end of the rack and the operating-face of the segment k'. to enable the locking-bar to be withdrawn su'ilciently far to the rear before the rotation of the block on its axis is begun. To prevent the locking-bar M from being too suddenly thrown to the rear and becoming misplaced, I provide a shoulder m' on the back shoulder p' on the housing P, (see Fig. 6,) andv thus the rearward travel of the locking-bar is limited. lt will be I seen that in closing the breech, as the hand-lever is swung from the positionmarked 3 to that marked 2 in Fig. 4, the cross-head n is brought into contact with the cam-face p of the housing P, and further` movement of the hand-lever causes the crosshead to ride down this cam 'p until it passes onto the cam p2, when the spring N presses the cross-head n upward, projecting the same into the recess min the under side of the lockthe locking-bar for'ward into the locked position, retnrningthe parts to the position shown in Fig. .6. Thusit will be seen that the first rearward motion of the hand-lever will draw the locking-bar to the rearout of engagement and then release the same, leaving thehandlever free to continue its travel about its pivot F2, while in closing the breech the last part of the movement of the hand-lever will move the locking-bar into the forwarder locked position. Since the gun cannot be fired until oftheJlocking-bar, engaging a corresponding the position shown in Figs. 6 and 8 and the reaches the position indicated by the numeral '2 iu Fig. 4 the cross-head ln. will be entirely i IOO IIO

ing-bar and causing this cross-head to force `e A cenno movement of thehand-lever, after the screwthreads b and vcf are in complete engagemen t,

.will beto move this locking-'arm forward and put the parts in such position that the gun can be fired, while the first part of -themoton of the hand-lever in opening the breech will be to' put the parts of the firing mechanism in such position 'that the gun'cannot be fired, and therefore the locking-bar M forms part of' the automatic means ,by which the ordinary danger from premature firing is absolutely eliminated.

Where it is desired to use fixed ammunition, the side wall of the g'nu' may be slotted, as at A", for the insertion of the extractor y, pivoted on a bolt and having the rearwardly-extending arm 'y' and the s topshoulder y?. (See Fig. 2.) This extractor is oper- 'ated by means of the cam-plate Z, made fast to the hinged carrier, as.. by means of the stud z, and is provided with a cam-face z and a stop-face z2, so that asrthe breech is swung open there is a slow motion of the extractor about its pivot to start the projectile, during 'which -time great power will be exerted, .and after the cartridge-case has once been released from its seat the quicker motion of extracting is setup, theadvantages of which are well known in the art. Any other form of extractor may he used, preferably one which is carried or actuated'by the plug itself, so that the gun-'bodyueed not be cut at all. As soon as the hinged carrier has been swung far enough to the rear the shoulder y2 brings up -f against the face of the gun, and the block Z stops the further outward motion of the carrer; but this outward motion may be arrested in any other preferred way.

While I have described the invention in de taivl,it will be obvious that many of the parts j may be changed in construction and other of nthevparts may be wholly omitted and that 'many structural changes maybe 'made by any one skilled in the art without departing from thespirit of my invention.

By having' the bar M project'into and lock the breech-block against rotation it is possible to make the pitch of the screw-threads greater; but any other suitable means for holding the breech-block against rotation may be adopted, if desired, o r friction alone depended upon. l 55 I am aware lthat breech-'blocks have been constructed in which a single spiral thread or single series of spiral threads is cut on the outer surface of the frustum of a cone-such, or'instance, as are shown in the British patent to Silverman and Dawson, No. 1,550, dated "January 19, 1898; but this arrangement lacks the series of spiral steps found in my inven'a tion, with'the threads cut on these steps, and therefore requires to be turned through a considerably larger angle than with my invention to lock or unlock the same, thus occasioning a'loss of time, which .is of critical irnmy improved breech-block housing, therefore,it is possible to lock Aorunlock the blockv by simply ,rotating the samel through an angle of less than ninety degrees, when the block is in position to be withdrawn to the rear; but in practice I prefer to make the s'lopeof the spirals and of the screw-threads less steep and to allow the block to 'lock and' unlock after turning about one hundred and twenty -to one hundred and eighty degrees. i

While it is desirable, whenever practicable', to have the parte subjected to wear lined or facedv with hardened material, I de not mean to limit my invention to such construction.

It will be evident that .the`engagement of the. threads a7 and b2 being continuous the great loss of strength incident to ordinary mutilation of thethreads of the breech-block and of the screw-box is avoided and that yfar greaterstrength,withcorrespondinglightness of parts, is secured.v Moreover, the threads b and a3 become engaged and disengaged almost instantaneously, and after the rst act of starting'all the friction of turning the' `block is transferred to the boss D2 and and B until the block is brought back to the final position in locking.

Afeature of my invention is the' facility by which the electrical firing mechanism may be substituted for the mechanical, or vice versa, it being only necessary to draw back the sear and run in the screw s' far enough to hold the sear back, or the reverse. Another feature is the insulation of the, firingspring and the use of it as part of the elec-v trical circuit.

-Having thus described my invention, what claim, and desire te secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

l. In a breech-loading gun, the combination with 'a breech-block substantiallyin the form A of a frustum of a cone but' having its engaging surface divided up into a series of spiral steps, with a plurality of screw-threads cut on each 'of said spiral steps, oa screw-box having correspondingthreads engagingthose of the breech-block, substantially as described. 2. In a breech-loadiug'gun, the combination with a breech-block substantially inthe form of a frustum of a cone but having its engaging surface divided up into a series of spiral steps,`with a plurality otl continuous screwthreads cnt on each of said spiral steps, of a screw-box havingv corresponding threads engaging' those of x.the breech-block. substantially as described. 3.4 Ina breech-loading'gun, the combination with a breech-block substantially in the form of a frustum of a cone but having its engaging surface divided up into a. series of' spiral steps, with a plurality of continuous screwthreads cut on each of said spiral steps, of a screw-box having continuous threads similarly arranged lto and engaging those of the breech-block, substantially as described. "4. In abreech-loadinggun, the combination sleeves 'B' ric threads cut on the exterior'part of each of said spiral steps, of a screw-box having threads 'corresponding to and engaging those of the A lbreech-block, substantially as described.

. 5. In abreech-loading gun, the combination with a breech-block substantially in the forin of a frustnm of a cone but having its engaging surface divided up into aseries of spiral steps, each step being substantialiy rectangular in cross-section and one face being substantially perpendicular to the axis of the breech block, with a plurality of screwthreads cut on each of said spiral steps, of a screw-box having corresponding threads engaging those of the ubreech-block, substantially as described.

6. In abreech-loadinggun,the combination with a breech-block substantially in the form of a frustum of a cone but having its engagf ing surface divided up into a series of spiral steps, with'a plurality of screw-threadscut on each of said spiral steps, and a screw-box having corresponding threads engaging those of the breech-block, of means for rotating said breech-block to lock and unlock the same, and for swinging said block into and out of the gun, substantially as described.

7. In abreech-loadinggumthecombination with a breech-block substantially in the form of a frustum of a cone but having its engaging surface divided up into a series of spiral steps, with a plurality of continuous screwthreads cut on each of said spiral steps, and a screw-box having continuous threads similarly arranged to and engaging those of the breech-block, of means for rotating said breech-block tolock and'unlock the same,`and for swinging said block into and out of the gun, substantially as described.

8. In a breech-loading gun,the combination with a breech-block substantiallyin the form of a frustum of a cone but having its engaging surface divided up into a series of spiral steps, each step being substantially rectan- -gularin cross-section, and one face being substantially perpendicular to the axis of the breech-block,with a plurality of screw-threads cut on each of said spiral steps, and a screwbox having corresponding threads engaging those of the breech-block, of means for rotating'said breech-block to lock and unlock the same, and for swinging said block into and out of the gu n, substantially as described.

9. In a breech-loadinggun, the combination with abreech-block substantially in the form of a frustum of a cone but having: its engaging-surface divided up into a` series of spiral steps, with a plurality of continuous screwthreads cut on-each of said spiral steps, and ascrew-box having corresponding threads engaging those of4 the breech-block, of a handlever and mechanism operated thereby.for

first rotating the breech-block about its axis in unlocking, and then swinging the same to the rear, or vice versa'. substantially as described.` p

l0. In a breech-loadin g gn n ,the combination with a breech-block substantially in the form of a frustuln of a cone but having its engaging surface divided up into a series of spiral steps, each step being subslantially'rectangularin cross-section,with a plurality of screwth reads cut on the exterior part of each of said spiral steps, and a screw-box having threads corresponding to and engaging those of the breech-block, of ahand-lever and' mechanism.

operated thereby, for first rotating the breech- 'block about its axis in unlocking, and then.

swinging the 'same to the rear, orvice versa, substantially as described.

11. As an article'of manufacture, a breechblock substantially conical in general shape but having its engaging surface divided up into a series ofspiral steps, with a plurality of screw-,threads cut on 'each of said spiral steps, substantially as described.

12. As an article-of manufacture, abreechblock substantially conical in general shape but having its enga-gingsurface formed as of a ribbon wound Ispirally, longitudinally and radially, with a' plurality of screw-threads cutthereon, the convolutions of said ribbon forming a series of steps, substantially as described. f

13. As an article of mann facture, a breechl block substantially conical in general shape but having' its engaging surface formed as of a ribbon wound spirally, longitudinally and radially, with a plurality of continuous screwthreads cut thereon, the convolutions of said ribbon forming a series of steps,`subs tantially as described.

1,4. In a breech-loading gun, the combination with a breech-block substantially conical in general shape but havingits engaging surroo face divided up into a series of spiral steps, i

with a plurality of screw-threads cut oneach of said spiral steps, of a screw-box having threads registering with those on'the breechblock, a hinged carrier, a rack mounted on said carrier, a pinion held against' rotation on the breech-block and engaging said rack,and

a hand-lever operating said rack and hinged' carrier, substantially as described.

l5. In a breech-loading gun, the combination with a breech-block substantiallyXeonical in general shape but havingits engaging snrface divided `up into a series of spiral steps,

with a pluralityof screw-threads cut on each of said spiral steps, ,of aV screw-box having cthreads registering'with those on the breechblock, a hinged carrier, a rack mounted on said carrier, a segmental pinion held against rotation on the breech-block and having a segment projecting beyond its teeth andengaging the ends of said rack,- and teethengaging the teeth of said rack, and means for moving said rack and for swinging said carrier, substantially asdescribed.

16. In a breech-loading gun, the combination with a breech-block substantially conical in general shape but having its engaging surface divided up into a series of spiral steps,

with a plurality of screw-threads cut on each of said spiral steps, of 'a screw-bos having threads registering with those on the breeohblock, a hinged carrier, a rack mounted on said carrier, a pinion held against rotation on the breech-block and en gagiug said rack and a hand-lever operating said rack and hinged carrier,with a lookin g-bar engagi ng said block and holding same against revolution in the screw-box, when the breech is closed, su bstann tially asl described.

17. In a breech-loading gun, the combination with a breech-block substantially conical in general shape but having its engaging su rface dividedV up into a series of spiral steps, with aplurality of screw-threads cut on each of said spiral steps, of a screw-box having threads registering with those on the breechblock, a hinged carrier, a rack mounted on said carrier,a segmental pinion held against rotation on the breech-block and having a' segment projecting beyond its teeth and engaging the ends of said rack', and teeth engaging the teeth of' said rack, and means for'moving said' rack and for swinging said carrier, with a locking-bar engaging said block and holding same against revol-ution in the screw-box, when the breech is closed, substantially as described..

18. In a breech-loadingv gun, the combination with abreech-block substantially conical in general shape but having its engaging snrface divided up into a series of spiral steps, with a plurality of screw-threads cut on each of said spiral" stepsof a screw-box having threads registering with those of the breechblock, a carrier for the breech-block,a rack mounted on said carrier, a pinion held against rotation on Athe breech-block and engaging said rack, a hand-lever operating said rack and carrier, firing mechanism,and a combined locking-bar and safety device engaging' said block and holding same against revolution inthe screw-box when the breech is closed, and also interrupting the action of the firing mechanism at all times except when the breech. is closed and the locking-benin lockin g engagement, substantially as described.

19. In a breech-loading gun, the combina- .tion with a breech-block substantially conical in general shape but having its engaging surface divided up into a series of spiral steps, with a. plurality of screw-threads cut on each' of said spiral steps, of a screw-box having threads registering4 with those -of the breechblock, means for rotating said breech-block, and for withdrawing same from the screwbox, firing mechanism, and a combined locking-bar and safety device engaging said block and-holding same against revolution in the screw-box when the breech is closed, and also interrupting the action of the firing mechanism at all times except when the breech is closed and the locking-bar' in locking engagement, substantially as described.

20. l'n a breech-loading gun provided with a screw-box, a breech-block having screwthreads registering with those of the screwf box, means for rotating said breech-block to unlock the same from the screwbox, and means for withdrawing the breechblock from the screw-box, firing mechanism, and a coinbined locking-bar andsafety device engaging said block andlholding same against revolution in the screw-box when the` breech is closed, and also interrupting the action of the irin g mechanism at all times except when the breech is closed and the locking-bar in locking engagement, substantially as described.

2l. In a breech-loading gun, .the combination with a breech-block substantially in the form of a frustunrof a cone but having its engaging surface divided up into a series of spiral steps, with a plurality of screw-threads cut on each of said spiral steps, a screw-box having corresponding threads engaging those `of the breech-block, with means for rotating said breech -block to lock` and unlock the same, and forwinging said block into and out of the gun,`ring mechanism mounted partly in said block, and a combined lockingbar and safety'device engagingsaid block and holding same against revolution in the screwbox when the breech is closed, and also interrupting the action of the ring mechanism at all times except when the breech is closed and the locking-bar in locking engagement.7 substantially as described.

'22. In a breech-loadinggun, the combination with a breech-block substantially in the form of a frustum of a' cone but having its engaging surface divided up into a series of spiral steps, with a plurality of continuous screw-threads cuton each of said spiral steps, -a screw-box having continuous threads similarly arranged to and engaging those of the breech-block, with means for rotating--said breech-block to lock and unlock the same, and for swinging said block into and out of the gun, firing mechanism mounted partlyin said block, and a combined locking-bar and safety device engaging said block and -holding same against revolutionin the screw-.box when the breech is closed, and also interi rupting the action of the firing mechanism at all times except when the breech is closed IIO and the locking-bar inlocking engagement,

substantially as described.

23. In a breech-loading' gun, the combination with a breech-block substantially in the form of a frustum of a cone but having its engaging surface divided up into a series of spiral steps, each step being substantially rectangular in cross-section, and one face being substantially perpendicular to the axis of the breech-block, with aplurality of screwthreads out on each of lsaid spiral steps, a screw-box having corresponding threads engaging those of the breech-block,with means for relating said breech-block' to lock and unlock the same, and for swinging said block into and out of the gun, firing mechanism mounted partly in said block, and a combined locking-bar and safety device engaging said block and holding same against revolution in the screwrbox when the breechis closed, and also interrupting the action of the iiring mechanism at all times except when the breechl is closed and the locking-bar in locking engagement, substantially as described.

24. In a breech-loading gun, the combination with a breech-block substantially in the form of a frustum of a cone but having its engaging surface divided up into a series of spiral steps, with aA plurality of continuous screw-threads cuton each of said spiral steps, a screw-boxV having corresponding threads engaging those of the breech-block, with a hand-lever and mechanisnioperated thereby, forli-rst rotating the breech-block about its axis in unlocking, and then swinging the same to the rear, or vice versa, firing mechanism mounted partly in said block, and a combined locking-bar and safety device engaging said block and holding same against revolution in the screwbox when the breech is closed, and also interrupting the action of the firing mechanism at all times except when the breech is closed and the locking-bar in iocking engagement, substantially las described.

2 5. In a breech-loading gun, the combina` tion with a breech-block substantially in the vform of a frustuml 'of a Acone but having its engaging surface divided up into a series of spiral steps, each step being substantially rectangular in cross-section, with a plurality 'of screw-threads cut on the exterior part of each of said spiral steps, a screw-box having threads corresponding to and engaging those` of the breech-block, with `a hand-lever and mechanism operated thereby, for first rotating the breech-block about its axis in unlocking, and then swinging the same to the. rear,

. orvice versa, ring mechanism mounted partly in said block, and a combined locking- Y bar and safety device engaging said block and holding same against revolution in the scre w^box when the breech is closed, and also interrupting the action of the tiring mechanism at all times except when the breech, is closed and the locking-bar in lookin g engagement, substantially as described.

26. In a breech-loading gun, the combination with a breechlblock substantially conical in general shape but having its engaging surface divided -up into a series of spiral steps, with a plurality of screwthreads'cut on each of said spiral steps, of a screw-box having threads registering with those on the breech block, a hinged carrier, a rack mounted on said carrie-r, a pinion held against rotation on the breech-block and engaging said rack, a hand-lever operating said rack and hinged carrier, firing mechanism mounted partly in said block and a combined locking-bar4 and safety device engaging said block and holding same against revolution in the Ascrew-box when the breech is closed, and also interrupt ing the action of the tiring mechanism at all times 'except when the breech is closedV and the locking-bar in locking` engagement, suhstantially as described.l

27. In a breechloading gun, the combines' tion with a breech-block substantially conical ingeneral shape but having its engaging sur u face divided up into a series of spiral steps, with a plurality of screw-.threads cut oncach of said spiral steps, of a screw-box having threads registering with thoseion'the breech?4 block, a hinged carrier, a rack mounted on i said carrier, a segmental pinion held against as described.

2S. In a breech-loading'gun, the combinao tion with a breech-block with screw-threads thereon, of a screw-box having threads registering with those on the breech-block, a hinged carrier, a rack mounted on said carrier, a piuion held against rotation on the breech-block and engaging said rack and a hand-lever operating said rack and hinged carrier, witha locking-bar operated by said hand-lever en` gaging said block and holding same against revolution in the screwbox, when the breech is' closed, substantially. as described. 29. In a breech-loading gun, the combina- KOU Ation with a breech-block with screw-threads thereon, of a screw-bolil having threads registering with those on the breechfblock, ahinged carrier, a rack mounted on said carrier, a seg-- mental pinion held against' rotation on the breech-block and having a segment project"- ing beyond ,its teeth and engaging the ends of said rack, and teeth engaging the teeth of said rack, and means for'moving vsaid rack and for swinging said carrier, with a lockingybar operated by said handlever and engaging said block and holding same against revolution in the screw-box, when the breech is closed, substantially as described.y

' 30. In a breech-loading gun, the combination with a breech-block with screw-threads thereon, of a screw-box having threads registering with those of the breech-block, a car-. i

rier for the breech-block, a rac-li mounted on' said carrier, a pinion held against rotation on the breech-block andfengaging said rack, a

hand-lever operating said'rack and carri-er; ring mechanism, and a combined locking-fbar and safety device engaging said block and holding same against revolution in the screw-box when the breech is closed, and also interrupting the action of the firing mechanism at all times except when the breech is closed and the locking-bar in locking engagement, substantially as described.

yall timesexceptwhcn the breech is' closed and the locking-bar in locking engagement, substantially as described.

32. In a breech-loading gun provided with a screw-box, of a breech-block having screwthreads registering with those ot' the screwbox, means both for rotating said breechblock to unlock the same from the screw-box and for withdrawing the breech-block from the screw-box, iii-ing mechanism, and a safety Vdevice engaging said block and holding the same against revolution in the'screwlhox when the breech'is closed, and also interrnpting the action of the firing mechanism at all times except when the breech is closed and the locking-bar in locking engagement, substantially as described.

In a breech-loading gun provided with a screw-box, of a breech-block having screwthreads registering with those of the screwbox, firing mechanism, a safety device engagging said block and holding same' against revolution in the screw-box when the breech is closed, and also interrupting the action of the tiring mechanism at all times except when the breech is closed and the locking-bar in locking engagement, and means for first releasing said safety device, then rotating said block to unlock the same, then swinging said block to the rear, then cooking said firing mechanism, and finally returning the block and safety device to the initial locked position, substantially as described. v-

34. in a breech-loading gun provided with a se: bex, of a breech-block having screwthree "s registering with those of the screwbox, iiring mechanism, a safety device engaging said blocs and holdingsame against revolution in the screw-box when the-breech is closed, and also interrupting the action of th@y firing mechanism at all times except when the breech is closed and the locking-bar in locking engagement, a hand-lever and mechaniefm operated thereby, for releasing said safety device, then rotating said block to unlock the same thereby cooking said firing mechanism, then swinging said block to the rear, ard finally returning the block and safety device to the initial locked position, substantially as described.

35. As an article of manufacture, a b'echblock for breech-loading guns, having its en gaging surfaceformed as of a ribbon wound spirally, radially and longitudinally and always parallel to the axis of the block,with a plurality of screw-threads cut thereon, substantially as described.

36. In a breech-loading gun, the combina.- tion with a breech-block-having screw-th reads thereon, of a screw-boi; having threads registering with v those on the breech-block, a hinged carrier, a rackmounted on said carrier, a 'segmental pinion held against rotation on the breech-block and having -a segment projecting beyond its teeth and engaging the ends of said rack, and teeth engaging the teeth on saidraclr, a hand-lever pivoted on said carrier, anda link connecting said handlever with said rack, substantially as described. A

37. In a breech-loading gun, the combination with a breech-block having scw-th reads thereon, of a screw-box having threads registering With those on the breech-block, a hinged carrier, a rack mounted on said carrier, a pinion` held against rotation on the breech-block and engaging said rack, a link connected to said rack and a hand-lever connected-to said link and operating said rack and hinged carrier, with a safety device also operated by said hand-lever for holding said block against revolution in the screw-box, when the breech is closed, substantially as described.

38. In a breech-loading gun, the combination with a breech-block having screw-threads thereon, of a screw-box having threads registering with those on the breech-block, a hinged carrier, a rack mounted on said carrier, asegrnental pinion held against rotation on the breech-block and having a segment projectl ing beyond its teeth and engaging the ends of said rack, and teeth engaging the teethof said rack, and means for moving saidirack and fomswinging said carrier, tiring mechan ism anda safety device for engaging said block and holding same against revolution in the screw-box, when the breech is closedand permitting the firing mechanism to be operated only at that time, substantially as described.

39. In a breech-loading gun, the combination with a breech-block havingscrewmhreads thereon, of a screw-bor; having threads registering with those of the` breech-block, a carrier for the breech-block, a rack mounted on said carrier, a pinion held against rotation on lthe breech-block and engaging said rack, a link connected to said rack, a hand-lever pivoted on said carrier and connected to said link for operating said rack andcarrier, -ring' mechanism, and a safety de vice also operated by said hand-lever engaging said block and holding same against revolution in the screwbox when the breech is closedand also interrupting the action of the firing mechanism at all times except when the breech is closed IOO estadio and the locking-bar in locking. engagement, substantially as described.

40. Ina. breech-loading gun, the combination with a' breech-block havingscrew-threads thereon, of a screw-box having threads registering with those of the breech-block, means for rot-atingsaid breech-block, Vand for withdrawing seme from the screw; box, :firing mechanism, anda safety device engaging said block and holding same against revolution in the screw-box when the breech is closed, and also interrupting the action of the firing mechanism at all times except when the breech is closed and locked, substantially as described.

41. In a breech-loading gun, the combination with a breech-block with screw-threads thereon, of a screw-box having threads registering with those of the breech-block, a carrier for the breech-block, a earn on said carrier, a hand-lever and mechanism operated by said hand-leverfor opening and closing (the breech, e locking-bar provided with a notch, and e spring-catch carried by the handlever and projecting into said notch when the breech is closed but engaging said cam when the hand-lever is nearly in the closed position, substantially as described.

Vtion with a sliding safety devicefor locking the breech-block against turning in the screwbox, and for preventing premature discharge,

"of a hand-1e ver for operating' the breechL mechanism and cockin'gthe firing mechanism, a. spring-catch carried by said hand1ever and engaging said safety device, and a cam located inthe line of travel of said catch and disengaging the same' from engagement with the safety device afterl the hand-lever has been moved a short' distance, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of twowitnesses.

FRANCIS J. HAESELER.

Witnesses:4

GRAFTON L. MCGILL, CLARENCE A. BATEMAN. 

